For those who don't know, I'm currently a Senior at Eastern New Mexico University way out in the middle of nowhere. I'm originally from South King County, Washington State and came back home last weekend during my break between semesters. I've only been in NM for a year, but the very small town, lack of amenities, and, shall we say "uninspiring", landscape makes me appreciate Washington's beauty more than ever.

The area of NM that I live in, the "Llano Estacado" is one of the geographically flattest places on the planet, which is about as opposite as it can be from Western Washington.

My girlfriend (who bravely survives with me in NM) and I were about to go on our first hike back in Washington, and I just wanted to share a few pics with you guys. We went to Rattlesnake Lake (900 ft) and hiked up to Rattlesnake Ledge (2,500 ft) which has a beautiful view of the surrounding area of the lower Cascades.

Anthony, great pictures. I would like to see the Pacific Northwest someday. I have spent a lot of time in New Mexico and you are correct, you live in the least senic part. You and your girl need to take some weekend trips. New Mexico is a beautiful state.

And that's a nice steep hike too! And well worth it. One of my favorite short hikes, especially at the end of the day, to be at the top. Thanks for sharing! And yes, I know all about dusty, flat New Mexico. HA!

Tons of wonderful replys from everyone! The Pacific Northwest is a truely beautiful corner of the world and coming back to it (during the summer) makes me wonder why I ever left it for school. I know there are many beautiful areas of New Mexico as well, we just have little time to actually go see them. We decided we are going to work on making my Jeep comfortable to sleep in and making a couple wekend trips around the state in the near future.

@Greg, Bellingham is also a great area, very laid back and fun

@Celestino, I would love to spend more time in the Vancouver area, I'm even considering grad school around there. I need to update my passport first though!